• Tommaso Ciampa Set To Leave WWE
It looks like Tommaso Ciampa is leaving WWE. According to Bodyslam, Ciampa’s current WWE contract is nearing its end, and sources indicate that he is expected to finish out the remaining time on his deal without signing an extension. As of now, there is no renewal in place.
What remains unclear is the reasoning behind the decision. It has not been confirmed whether Ciampa personally declined a new contract offer or if WWE opted not to pursue one. Sources also could not clarify whether Ciampa plans to continue wrestling elsewhere once his deal expires or if he is considering stepping away from the ring for a period of time.
Ciampa has dealt with multiple injuries in recent years and has spent stretches off television, which could factor into his long-term plans. For now, those close to the situation say only that his current contract is expected to run its course, with no new agreement finalized.
It should be noted that Ciampa didn’t appear alongside Johnny Gargano on last night’s SmackDown.
Below are Ciampa’s top WWE accomplishments:
– 2x NXT Champion
– 2x WWE Tag Team Champion
– 1x NXT Tag Team Champion
• Liv Morgan’s 1st Televised Match Since Return Announced
Below is the updated card for Monday’s RAW, which will be the one-year Netflix anniversary special:
– World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk (c) vs. Bron Breakker
– Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Maxxine Dupri (c) vs. Becky Lynch
– WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) (c) vs. Rhiyo (Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY)
– Liv Morgan vs. Lyra Valkyria (this will be Liv’s first televised match since her return)
– Crossover with Stranger Things
• Matt Cardona Comments On Signing With WWE, Ex-Tag Team Partner Reacts
On last night’s SmackDown, Zack Ryder returned to WWE TV as Matt Cardona. Michael Cole announced on commentary that Nick Aldis told him that Cardona has signed with WWE and is officially part of the roster. Cardona came back as Kit Wilson’s surprise opponent and picked up the win.
MATT CARDONA IS HERE 🤩
Zack Ryder is so last year 😜 pic.twitter.com/AsEYWMUbE2
— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2026
.@TheMattCardona with the WIN 👏 pic.twitter.com/YpgJMNJxZo
— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2026
Cardona tweeted the following about his return: “I’m not finished…”
Brian Myers (fka Curt Hawkins), Cardona’s former tag team partner in WWE, tweeted the following about this moment:
“Matt’s run from 2020-2025 is the stuff of legend. It’s gonna be talked about & referenced for years. He unlocked the unlimited potential that someone could have outside the WWE bubble. He set an example that should be followed forever. Control what you can control, believe in yourself, & NEVER take no for answer.
See you down the road @TheMattCardona!
Well, actually we’re recording the @MajorWFPod Monday morning.”
• Absent Star Returned for His 1st WWE Match in a Year Before Tonight’s SmackDown
On the January 24, 2025, episode of SmackDown, Apollo Crews defeated Johnny Gargano. Crews tore his pectoral muscle during this match, but still managed to finish it. He had to undergo surgery.
After being out of action for 10 months, Crews made his return from injury in November 2025 and made his AAA debut. Before AAA Alianzas started airing, Lince Dorado issued an open challenge in a dark match and it was answered by the returning Crews, who went on to pick up the win.
Before last night’s January 2, 2026, episode of SmackDown, WWE taped an episode of “WWE Main Event,” where Crews had his first WWE match in almost a year. Crews faced Talla Tonga of My Family Tree and lost.
